Eco-friendly biosynthesis metallic silver nanoparticles using Aegle marmelos (Indian bael) and its clinical and environmental applications

The current research aims to examine the biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by Aegle marmelos aqueous leaf extract (Am). The structure, composition and the size of the AgNPs identified by X-ray crystallography (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zetapotential, atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDAX), Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–vis) absorption spectroscopy. UV-spectrum confirmed the formation of AgNPs at 416 nm range. The antimicrobial activity was performed against Bacillus megaterium (B. megaterium), Bacillus aryabhattai (B. aryabhattai), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens), and Pseudomonas putida (P. putida) by well diffusion assay, the highest zone formation was observed (8.4 ± 0.3) in 100 µg/mL concentration of Am-AgNPs against Serratia marcescens. The larvicidal assay was performed against Culex quinquefasciatus (C. quinquefasciatus) and Aedes aegypti (A. aegypti). The higher efficiency of Am-AgNPs immersed in A. aegypti (LC50 = 302.02 ppm) and C. quinquefasciatus (LC50 = 132.01 ppm). Further, methylene blue (MB) photocatalytic activity was studied by dye degradation method under visible light irradiation treatment, in the visible region by increasing the time; and light absorption and the enhancement of photocatalytic degradation was observed. Besides, anticancer activity against gastric cancer cells was studied, which showed (IC50) value 40.33 µg/mL. These results conclude that synthesized Am-AgNPs act as a novel antibacterial, anticancer, larvicidal, and photocatalytic agent.